Fan Forum: Caldwell talks draft

Jaguars GM David Caldwell on 2014 NFL Draft preparation: “We have a good idea who our Top 5 might be.”

JACKSONVILLE – When it comes to quarterback, nothing is absolutely certain.

That was one of the takeaways at the third of three 2014 Jaguars Season-Ticket Holder Fan Forums at EverBank Field Thursday, an event that featured Jaguars General Manager David Caldwell and Head Coach Gus Bradley speaking at length.

Caldwell and Bradley each spoke to the crowd for about 10-to-15 minutes before answering questions from fans. Among the topics:

Quarterback, and specifically if/when the Jaguars would take one in the 2014 NFL Draft on May 8-10.

While Jaguars Owner Shad Khan last week at the Super Bowl said “there’s no mystery that we’re going to be taking a quarterback and maybe two” in the draft, Caldwell was decidedly unspecific about the draft-day strategy.

“We’re going through draft meetings right now, and going through the process with all of our scouts,” Caldwell said before the event, which was held in the West Touchdown Club at EverBank Field and streamed live on jaguars.com.

“Our coaches will get involved here after the (February 19-25 NFL Scouting) Combine (in Indianapolis). We’ve got workouts, and our hope is that if one presents himself, we want to draft him.”

The Jaguars hold the No. 3 overall selection in the draft, and Caldwell also said the team also is open to trading down to garner additional selections.

“We would not discourage that at all,” Caldwell said. “I think it’s a possibility, but it’s so early in the process. There are going to be guys who are going to be weeded out. Some may have injury issues. Some may have other issues. Everyone thinks they’re going to be a Top 10 pick and now they’re not even going to be in the conversation.

“Then there will be guys that rise, (players) who have a great week at the combine.”

Caldwell was asked if there was a consensus among teams about the top few players in the draft, and he said that said he didn’t think so.

“There’s a consensus here,” he said with a laugh. “We have a good idea who our Top 5 guys might be, but that’s going to differ from team to team. It’s hard to get a consensus among your own building, and the whole league.”

Also at the fan forum Thursday, Caldwell addressed the status of suspended wide receiver Justin Blackmon, saying that “at some point in time, he will be back” with the Jaguars.

Bradley told the crowd he expects the Jaguars will play a road game this season the week before the team’s November 9 game against the Dallas Cowboys at Wembley Stadium in London. It’s likely that game would be against an East Coast team to facilitate travel, so possibilities include Baltimore, Washington and Philadelphia.